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Cusco Adventure (7 Days)
- Duration7 days / 6 nights
- DifficultyChallenging
- Max. altitude5,036 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Cusco Adventure — Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain and Seven Lakes
For travelers who want to experience Cusco the adventurous way! Alongside Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the itinerary features the stunning Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain and the Seven Lakes, combining culture, incredible scenery and three great Andean challenges.
Who this package is for
Ideal for active, fit travelers who want to pair Cusco's great cultural icons with hikes above 4,200 m (13,800 ft). The treks come in the second half of the trip, once your body has adjusted to the altitude.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. Keep in mind that the itinerary includes one night in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, in addition to your nights in the other cities on the route. If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Sacred Valley and train to Aguas Calientes
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike
- Humantay Lake at over 4,200 m
- Ausangate Seven Lakes and Pacchanta hot springs
- Breakfast and lunch on hiking days
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
This is a free day, designed so you can rest from your journey and let your body adjust gently to Cusco's altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level.
No rush and no commitments: take the time to rest, stay hydrated and start soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
Day 2Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
Check out of your hotel. We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.
After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, we set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the charming Pisac Archaeological Complex, where you will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next we continue to Urubamba for a lunch break, before heading on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
On arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the station to meet you and take you to your hotel, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Day 3Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
The big moment of the trip has arrived!
In the morning we head up to Machu Picchu with a professional guide, who will lead you through the sanctuary and share every detail of this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu: the impressive agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, temples, ceremonial spaces and the way the Incas made the most of nature and the mountain's strategic location.
After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, a stroll around this charming town or simply a rest until it is time to board the train back to Cusco.
At the scheduled time you will board the train back to Cusco, taking home not only beautiful photos but the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Day 4Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca
At around 4:30 am, our transport will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Cusipata, where we stop for breakfast at about 7:00 am.
We then continue to the trailhead and begin a hike of approximately 2 hours uphill to the top of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, with rest stops along the way. Although demanding because of the altitude, the route rewards you with incredible scenery, and your guide will share information about the site.
There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).
After taking in the view and snapping photos, we begin the roughly 1.5-hour descent back to the vehicle. We then have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:30 pm. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.
Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots are recommended. In the rainy season, bring a waterproof poncho.
Day 5Humantay Lake
We start our journey with a hotel pickup at around 4:30 am, heading for the majestic Humantay Lake, one of the most impressive natural sights in the region.
The first leg takes about two hours to the village of Mollepata, where we stop for a hearty breakfast. We then drive another hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
The hike up to Humantay Lake takes approximately 2 hours, on a trail that, while challenging because of the altitude, rewards you with spectacular scenery.
There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).
Once at the lake, located more than 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level, you will have time to explore, admire its crystal-clear turquoise waters and capture the beauty of Andean nature at its finest.
After the visit we begin the descent, about 1.5 hours, back to the meeting point to board our van. Back in Mollepata, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:00 pm, wrapping up a day full of adventure, nature and unforgettable scenery. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.
Day 6Ausangate Seven Lakes
We leave Cusco at around 4:00 am for Pacchanta, where we have breakfast before starting the hike to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, set at more than 4,600 meters (15,100 ft) above sea level.
The trail takes roughly 2.5 hours each way, passing vividly colored lakes, towering peaks and breathtaking Andean scenery.
After the hike we have lunch, with the option to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs (optional, about 20 soles).
We return to Cusco at around 6:30 pm, wrapping up a day full of nature, adventure and connection with the Andes.
Day 7Departure / return home
Time to say goodbye to Cusco!
At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Cusco airport for your flight home.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories, but also the desire to come back and discover even more of Peru.
What's included
Included
- 2 transfers: airport / hotel / airport
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guides on all tours
- Tourist transportation on all tours
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with lunch (entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu tour with a professional guide
- Round-trip train ticket, Expedition or Voyager class
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
- Humantay Lake tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
- Ausangate Seven Lakes tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley
- Pacchanta hot springs (optional, about 20 soles)
- Horseback ride on the hikes (optional, around 100 soles)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Warm clothing, hat and gloves for the high-altitude hikes
- Comfortable sneakers
- Swimsuit and towel for the Pacchanta hot springs (optional)
- Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
- Rain poncho during the rainy season
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to do this itinerary?
Cusco and Machu Picchu can be visited all year round.
High season – dry season: May to October, with less rain and more visitors. We recommend booking well in advance.
Low season – rainy season: November to April, with a higher chance of rain but fewer crowds and, at certain times, better prices.
What should I bring on the tours?
We recommend comfortable clothes in layers, suitable footwear, sun protection, a water bottle and a small backpack. The weather can change quickly, so be ready for cold, sun and possible rain.
For the high-altitude hikes, also pack warm layers, a hat, gloves and sneakers or boots with good grip.
Do I need to be fit for the hikes?
Yes. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Humantay Lake and the Ausangate Seven Lakes are demanding hikes at high altitude (over 4,200 m / 13,800 ft), with uphill sections and less oxygen available. The hikes come at the end of the trip, once your body is better acclimatized.
At Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake you can choose to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).
Can I do this itinerary with children or older travelers?
Yes! Most tours in Peru are suitable for all ages, and we can adapt the itinerary to each traveler's profile and pace.
The exception is the hikes to Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Ausangate Seven Lakes. We do not recommend these hikes for children, as they are demanding high-altitude treks with steep climbs and less oxygen available.
For older travelers, we recommend considering fitness level and adjustment to altitude, especially on group tours, where everyone needs to keep up with the group and stick to the schedule. If mobility is a concern, private tours offer much more flexibility.
Can I add or remove tours from the 7-day itinerary?
Yes! We specialize in tailor-made itineraries and can adapt the tours to your interests, pace and available time.
Will you support me throughout the trip?
Yes! We provide personal assistance from start to finish, with WhatsApp support to guide you and help whenever you need it. While you enjoy Peru, our team takes care of the details.
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